“Ohfine, if you insist. But just so you know, I’m really putting myself out for you. This Egyptian style doesnotgo with my ensemble.” Carly rolls her eyes, but not before I catch the tears glittering in them. A surge of love and gratitude washes over me as she hauls me in for a hug. “Thank you,” she whispers, softly enough that I’m sure no one else hears. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“Actually…”
Carly laughs. “Right. Empathic, spirit-blessed snowflake. How could I forget.”
With that settled, Professors Broome and Maddox quiz us once more on all the different potions we’re packing, triple-check their own stash, and review their plan one more time.
“Pleasepleasebe careful,” I tell them. “I meant what I said—I expect us all to be here tomorrow night. Conscious, walking, and ready to pop that bubbly.”
Professor Broome winks. “Just because we’re practically senior citizens compared to the Hot Girl Squad doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten how to do epic shit.”
I crack up at that, but Carly shakes her head.
“Are you serious right now?” she asks. “You two are hot-girl life goals. The rest of us can onlyhopeto achieve your level of badassery one day.”
“Did you hear that, Kelly?” Professor Broome asks, her eyes sparkling. “Hot-girl life goals! Maybe we should offerthatclass next semester.”
“I’d sign up,” Nat says, and Isla raises her hand. “Me too!”
Goddess, I love these witches.
“Okay people,” Casey says. “Hate to break it up, but we really need to get moving.”
She’s right. All the levity and warmth from the last few minutes evaporates, replaced with a cold dread so thick and heavy I can almost taste it.
“What about you?” Casey asks me. “All set?”
I look over at the guys, still waiting for me by the closet like silent sentries.
“All set,” I assure her. “And don’t worry—I’m in good hands.”
“You’re certain your intel is good? You know where you’re going?”
She’s talking about the message from Doc. Last night, we could only manage to hold the connection for a few minutes, but it was enough time for him to confirm my theories that Judgment is holding them in the caves by the Void, and that the whole areaisaccessible from the Breath and Blade lands. He said it’s a portal and connecting point for several realms, including our own. So, finding our way won’t be the problem.
Dealing with whatever so-called welcome party awaits us? That’s another story—one whose ending I can’t evenpretendto know.
“We’re good,” I reply anyway.
She watches me another beat, concern flashing through her eyes, then hugs me close. In a low, imploring voice, she says, “Take care of my brother, okay?”
“You know I will.”
“And take care ofyou. We’re just getting to know each other, Stevie. I’m expecting lots more Witch-’N-Bitch invites to come, okay?” She pulls back and smiles at me, looking so much like her brother it almost takes my breath away. “We’re practically sisters-in-law at this point, so there’s not much you can do to escape me anyway.”
Sisters-in-law…
I gasp as the realization suddenly hits me.
My mother… She saw this moment. She knew it would come.
By Queen of Earth you may be vexed
But trust you must her diligence
Sisterhood too, you’ll find within
But only when it’s welcomed in
